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Volume 10, Issue 48
LCSO sued over alleged assault Lawsuit claims corrections offcers assaulted inmate last year
DAVE O’BRIEN THE COMMUNITY GUIDE
A Norwalk man alleges in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Cleveland Nov. 27 that Lorain County Jail corrections officers assaulted him while he was an inmate at the jail last year. Franklin Ward, 40, sued the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office, the Lorain County Jail, Lorain County corrections officer Shea
Adkisson and 10 other unnamed corrections officers in federal court. The lawsuit, which misnames Adkisson as “Shay Atkinson,” said that the corrections officer assaulted Ward “with no warning or justification” after Ward was booked into the Lorain County Jail in December 2022. Adkisson “placed Plaintiff Ward in a choke hold where he lost consciousness,” according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges assault and battery, excessive force, failure to prevent excessive force, failure to train, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. It seeks more than $150,000 in compensatory and punitive damages each, on each of the six counts alleged, along with court costs, interest and attorney fees. Ward is represented by attorney Brett Murner of Wellington, for whom a message seeking addi-
tional comment was left Thursday. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Pamela Barker. According to his lawsuit, Ward was booked into the jail on a felony drug possession charge on Dec. 1, 2022, and placed in holding for observation. As Adkisson got Ward from holding to transfer him to another area of the jail, Ward said he dropped his jailprovided ID bracelet. That’s when Adkisson assaulted Ward, according to Ward’s law-
suit, hitting him in the head and upper body. When Ward regained consciousness, other unnamed corrections officers allegedly also beat him. Ward said he was handcuffed, placed in a restraint chair and had a seizure. He ended up spending 11 days at University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center, according to his lawsuit. When Ward was returned to custody at the jail, he alleged he LAWSUIT PAGE A4
Commissioners OK contracts, settlement with 911 vendor DAVE O’BRIEN THE COMMUNITY GUIDE
CARISSA WOYTACH | The Community Guide
Officer Mark Pultrone shops with Kobi Geiger, 7, at the Lorain Walmart during the Lorain Police Department’s 14th annual Cops and Kids event on Saturday, Dec. 2.
‘It’s about allowing a child to still be a child’ CARISSA WOYTACH THE COMMUNITY GUIDE
LORAIN — Santa traded his sleigh for a SWAT vehicle on Dec. 2. Lorain Police Department’s annual Cops and Kids event brought more than 150 kids to the city’s Walmart and Meijer stores to shop for toys, video games, clothes and gifts for their families as part of the 14th annual event. This year the Lorain Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 3 raised about $22,000 for the program, dividing the funds between each child. The department received about 1,100 applications, Officer Miguel Baez said. “Some of the applicants are people that have lost loved ones during this time, people that have come down (with) financial hardships, people that are trying to progress — I have single moms that are going to nursing (school)
and doing full-time work and if this is something that we can help them out with, it just makes things easier,” he said. Many of the children walking with the officers and other volunteers Saturday morning are Lorain Schools students. As the district’s School Resource Officer, Baez and Lorain Schools Director of Safety and Security Reuben Figueroa — who previously worked for Lorain police — see many of the kids who participated Saturday throughout the school year. Many of those same kids get good grades and work hard in school, Baez said, and Saturday’s event was another chance to reward them. “They’re not complaining about the hardships they’re going through — to me, it’s about allowing a child to still be a child and not worry about adult stuff,” Baez said. Figueroa agreed. COPS AND KIDS PAGE A2
Athena Young, 5, picks out a toy at the Lorain Walmart during the Lorain Police Cops and Kids event.
The Lorain County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 1 approved a nearly $28,000 settlement with a former Texas-based vendor at Lorain County 911 after missing a deadline to cancel an automatic renewal of the vendor’s contract. The board voted 2-0 to pay Kaxxa Holdings $27,615 in order to walk away from a contract with the company, which was providing services to the county 911 system. Commissioners Michelle Hung and Jeff Riddell approved the settlement Friday, with Commissioner David Moore not present as he recovers from a medical procedure. Chief Assistant Lorain County Prosecutor Dan Petticord, the board’s legal counsel and a candidate for Common Pleas judge in the March primary, said the county wasn’t happy with Kaxxa Holdings’ services “and the administration and 911 decided to go in a different direction,” he told the board prior to its vote. However, the contract the county had with Kaxxa had “a rather lengthy automatic renewal provision” of 90 days, and officials “did not make the decision to terminate the contract and move in a different direction until that 90-day window had opened,” Petticord said. When the county told Kaxxa it was terminating the contract, Kaxxa demanded the county renew for the full term of the contract and sent the bill to collections, he said. The matter took a year to resolve, Petticord said. SETTLEMENT PAGE A4
INSIDE THIS WEEK Amherst
Oberlin
Wellington
Santa gets help with letters ● A3
District talks facilty needs ● A5
Fire Chief staffs red kettle ● A4
OBITUARIES A2 • CLASSIFIEDS • CROSSWORD A7 • SUDOKU A7 • KID SCOOP A8
Page A2
Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023
Lorain County Community Guide
OBITUARIES Karen Faye Frye Karen Faye Frye, 81, of Wellington, passed away Monday, November 28, 2023 at her home. She was born August 16, 1942, in Lodi to the late Delmer Roby and Helen (nee Right) Roby Thompson. Karen grew up in Wellington and attended Wellington High School. She worked at Forest City for many years. In her free time, Karen enjoyed reading. In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Bob; a grandson, Bobby Darby; and her beloved dog, Parker. She is survived by her daughters, Tammy (Jeff) Mason and Julie (Tim) Rolfe; siblings, Charles (Cindy) Roby, Kathy (Chris) Gordon and Randy (Rick) Roby; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Norton-Eastman funeral home is honored to assist with arrangements. Donations in Karen’s memory may be directed to New Life Hospice, 3500 Kolbe Rd, Lorain. Fond memories and condolences may be shared online at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.
Cora Ann Brinker Cora Ann Brinker, 91, of Wellington, died Monday, November 27, 2023, at her home with her daughter by her side. A daughter of the late William ‘Bill’ and Edith (nee Rollins) Mosher, Cora was a 1950 Wellington High School graduate. She was a member of the Wellington United Methodist Church. Cora enjoyed reading. She treasured her family and above all loved being a grandma and greatgrandma. Cora is survived by her daughter, Linda Karp of Wellington; grandchildren, Dan (Caren) Karp, Liz Karp and Angel Valentine; great-grandchildren, Adri, Tony, Grace and Maggie. She is also survived by her brother, Ron (Phyllis) Mosher; sisters-in-law, Maude (Ron) Voorhees, Marie Taylor, and Connie Mosher Park; and many nieces and nephews. Cora is now together again with her husband, Arthur ‘Blackie’ Brinker; her son, John Brinker; brother, Willy Mosher; and sister-in-law, Mary (Leonard) DeLong. A graveside service will be held in Greenwood Cemetery, Wellington on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 11 a.m. with The Reverend Yu officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Wellington, 127 Park Place, Wellington, OH 44090. Arrangements were entrusted to Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, Wellington, and expressions of sympathy may be given at: www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome. com.
COPS AND KIDS FROM A1
He remembered one of the first years he volunteered for the program when he was a police officer. That year, he and his wife, Amarily, spent the day with the children of Robert Caudill, 26, who was shot and killed while delivering pizza to the Lake Motel on West Erie Avenue in 2014. “I remember that year my wife crying because it brought perspective — that man was working a side job just to pay for Christmas gifts and now he’s gone and that’s the perspective …” Figueroa said. “Those kids were hugging me and they didn’t even know me, but they wanted a dad, they wanted a father figure that
would be there, that would give them love — and that’s what our community needs. They need that love.” This year, Figueroa and his wife and kids were with their cousin Xavier Figueroa’s family. Xavier Figueroa, 26, was killed in a motorcycle crash on state Route 57 last summer, leaving behind his girlfriend, Rachel Donovan, and their three daughters. Donovan and her oldest daughter, Alani, 6, picked out toys with the help of the Figueroa family. “I think that it’s really amazing that they do this for the children and give back to the community, and my daughter loves it,” Donovan said.
LAUREN HOFFMAN | The Community Guide
ABOVE: Church of the Open Door invited visitors to Bethlehem on Dec. 3, with volunteers reenacting the birth of Christ and other biblical tales. BELOW: Amherst siblings Talia (left) and Teagan Debronsky play music outside the school’s Bethlehem Walk.
Church of the Open Door hosts Bethlehem Walk LAUREN HOFFMAN THE COMMUNITY GUIDE
Under the watchful eye of Emperor Caesar Augustus and his Roman Centurions, men, women and children from all throughout Ohio and beyond embarked on a journey through the streets of Bethlehem at Church of the Open Door to learn the story of the birth of Jesus Christ and the town behind it. “Our Bethlehem walk is designed to let people know what the shopkeepers and tradesmen were doing at the time that Jesus was born,” said Candy Adams, who organized the event at the Telegraph Road church. “Most people when they think about the birth of Christ they picture the manger, but they really don’t know what life was like at the time that the Son of God was born.” Ushered into the town in much the same way as others were hundreds of years ago for the census, visitors to the church first stop at the exchange booth where they receive their denarius, or Roman coin, to pay for goods from the townsfolk in addition to the taxes collected by the Roman Emperor and his men. From there, they enter the streets of Bethlehem signing the census on their way. “We have had people from as far as Brazil and Florida come to our event over these past two nights,” said one of the volunteers. “The reach is truly amazing.”
Comprised of 32 booths ranging from jewelry to wine making, blacksmiths, carpenters and farmers, guests experienced the everyday life of Bethlehem while learning about the history of the fateful night. “Once the walk is complete, there is a special announcement made with the call of the shofar where guests can enter our sanctuary and see a live performance of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and of course the star of the show, baby Jesus,” Adams said. “But the manger scenes don’t end with the story of the manger but rather cover the entire story of Jesus Christ from his birth to his death on the cross and him rising again three days later.” Over 130 participants
joined in on the festivities from the church’s four different campuses of Elyria, Vermilion, Lorain and Avon Lake. In the past, the Bethlehem walk was done at the Vermilion campus but was moved to Elyria to accommodate more people. “We came to the bigger campus with hopes to have a bigger mission field and spread the word and it has been very successful,” Adams said. “When we first started the walk it was actually born out of COVID-19 back in Vermilion.” Despite the restrictions and cold of the winter of 2020, Adams said that they still saw 770 people come to the first night of the walk, a precedent that the church holds on to for future events.
Clayton Wright, pastor at Church of the Open Door’s Elyria campus said the experience, while informative, is a bit fun too. “I play the role of one of the Roman Centurions and honestly my favorite part is being able to walk around and interact with the kids,” he said. “They are this commanding presence and so I’ll walk around and in a deep voice tell people to pay their taxes and it’s fun. It adds to the experience.” Rounding out the event, guests to Bethlehem even got to come face to face with a live camel known affectionately as “Cleve.” Cleve and his barnyard buddies were available for photos with the guests adding to the experience of the night.
“That’s what our community needs. They need that love.”
Reuben Figueroa,
Lorain Schools Director of Safety and Security
SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE A7
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE A7
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Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023
Lorain County Community Guide
Family handles letters to Santa CHRISTINA JOLLIFFE THE COMMUNITY GUIDE
BROWNHELM TWP. — A frog, a toad, a fish, a cat and a dog were all on one child’s wish list for Santa this year. Another said his stepdad wanted shampoo for his beard. They draw pictures or make a list of what every member of their family wants for Christmas. And Sarah and Dillon Baker read them all, helping Santa send back personalized letters. “I try to include what they want in the letter so the kids know it is from Santa,” Sarah said. It started a few years ago when the Bakers moved to Claus Road, and started sending letters to their friends’ kids. Last year, the couple decided to expand with Dillon, 31, building a mailbox for kids in the neighborhood to use. The Bakers received 150 letters. “I like reading the letters from the kids and trying to figure out exactly what they’re saying,” Sarah, 30, said. “We’ve always been a huge Christmas family.
WRITE TO SANTA To receive a letter Drop off or send a letter to Santa and include a self-addressed stamped envelope to 8046 Claus Road, Amherst, OH 44001 to receive a response.
I love watching my kids experience Christmas and seeing their excitement. I just want to give that to other kids, too.” The mailbox went out right before Thanksgiving this year, and the Bakers already have received 28 letters. “I write the letters and he stamps them with a Santa stamp and puts them in the envelopes,” Sarah said of her husband. “It’s a team effort.” Most of the letters she has received have been full of childhood wonder, asking for small toys, Pokemon cards, or Barbie. One letter stuck out last year, and again this year, from a little boy asking for military items. “You can tell his dad is in the military because he asks for military shirts to support his Marine dad,” Sarah said. “You can tell he misses him.”
She’s also received an envelope with no letter, and just a request from grandparents to send a letter from Santa unexpectedly. Sarah hasn’t received a letter stating someone has been naughty this holiday season, but she’s waiting for it, she joked. With three little ones of her own, Ava, 9, Kyle, 6, and Isaac, 4, she just wants to spread a little holiday joy. “We do an Advent calendar with our kids and a Christmas Eve box,” the surgical tech at UH Elyria Medical Center said. “Brownhelm has a Santa that comes around and visits kids and it’s really wonderful. This is just a way for us to give back.” The mailbox will be out until just after Christmas this year with the Bakers responding to all of the letters they receive, free of charge, even after the holiday — just remember to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. “We really just do it for the joy of kids getting letters from Santa,” Sarah said. “It’s fun watching all of the letters come in. Hopefully, we get more than last year. The more the merrier.”
CJ Sayers Toy Drive spreads joy to kids affected by gun violence
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LAUREN HOFFMAN | The Community Guide
CJ Sayers’ girlfriend Alexis Champe, sister Sierra Sayers, mom Patty Sayers and sister Alyssa Sayers said they are grateful for the amount of toy donations received for the second annual drive. LAUREN HOFFMAN THE COMMUNITY GUIDE
LaGRANGE — While the holidays are often a time of joy spent with family, for some children in Lorain County like Ava Sayers, this sadly, isn’t always the case. In January of 2022, then 2-year-old Ava lost her father, Christopher “CJ” Sayers, when he was shot and killed after dropping her off in a child custody exchange. CJ was priceless to his family, especially young Ava and now those he left behind have found a way to honor him while helping other children in Ava’s position. “We started CJ’s Toy Drive last year as a way to honor his memory and help other families and children who have been affected by gun violence,” CJ Sayers’ sister Alyssa Sayers said. “We decided we wanted to help these families that have been through what we’ve been through with the loss of a loved one and want to try and put a smile on their faces this Christmas.” While the drive remained virtual last year due to the trial, Sayers’ family decided to welcome families from throughout Lorain County to an event Dec. 3 in celebration.
“December 13 is CJ’s birthday and so we wanted to have this event as a sort of birthday party for him,” Alyssa Sayers said. In addition to the pancakes and hot chocolate served, children were able to get their photos taken with Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen” and Santa Claus while creating art and craft creations to take home to their families. Lorain County Prosecutor J.D. Tomlinson also made an appearance. “J.D. came to greet the kids and take a photo because we have him to thank for providing us with names of kids who have had their families affected by gun violence,” CJ Sayers’ other sister, Sierra Sayers, said. “We had 37 kids on our list for this year and we are truly grateful to the community and J.D. for helping us provide a good Christmas to them.” Hundreds of dollars worth of donations poured into the dance studio at 548 N. Center St., Building C, in LaGrange where the celebration was held. Additionally, Sayers’ family said that many toys were donated ahead of the event as well. “Some of these people didn’t even know my brother, but know his story,” Alyssa Sayers said. “He was
an amazing dad and person and it’s honestly heartwarming and amazing to me that people care this much and care about doing this stuff in his name.” Mother Patty Sayers said she also couldn’t be more touched by the support. The family was deeply affected by the loss of CJ, Sayers’ only son, but seeing the community support has been healing for them she said. “No one deserves to lose a loved one to gun violence,” she said. “And sadly, there are children out there that are in the same position as Ava which makes the holidays very hard. We hope that these toy donations can help heal the hurt and pain of loss that they are going through.” Donations for the toy drive are still being accepted now until Dec. 10 with a wish list available on Amazon or by contacting Alyssa Sayers at Taebransee23@gmail.com. Kody Rutledge, 23 of Ashland County, was sentenced to 11-15 years in CJ Sayers’ death in December 2022: eight to 12 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter, a first-degree felony, in addition to a three-year gun specification. He was the boyfriend of the child’s mother.
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Page A4
Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023
Lorain County Community Guide
Wellington Fire volunteers as bell ringers
To Volunteer:
CARISSA WOYTACH THE COMMUNITY GUIDE
WELLINGTON — The ring of a bell outside a grocery or hardware store for many signals the holiday season. For more than 100 years, the Salvation Army’s red kettles have set up around Christmas, collecting donations to fund programming for those in need throughout the year. And in Wellington, volunteering for shifts as bell ringers throughout the holiday season has become a sort of tradition for the Wellington Fire Department, with Chief Mike Wetherbee leading the charge. On Dec. 2, Wetherbee stood outside Farm and Home bright and early, greeting visitors and thanking them for any coins or dollar bills that made their way into the bright red kettle. It started out a decade ago as a venture for Wetherbee and his family, but as his children have grown, he’s continued to donate two hours at a time several days throughout December, and his firefighters in the fire district have joined him.
To Donate:
CARISSA WOYTACH | The Community Guide
Wellington Fire Chief Mike Wetherbee volunteered Dec. 2 outside Farm and Home as a bell ringer for the Wellington Salvation Army. “This is a time of year where everybody has to think about what they have and not everybody’s as fortunate,” he said. “We try to help out those that need a little bit of help. And it’s good to keep stuff local.” Joyce Scott, human service worker for the Wellington Salvation Army, said the kettles are the main source of the local chapter’s budget for next year.
Scott said she was worried about missing out on Christmas Eve donations this year, as it falls on a Sunday, but “God usually provides.” “It’s very, very important to us,” she said. “We try to get $20,000 and we operate on a really low budget. All that we have goes directly back to the people that live in (Wellington).” The Wellington Salva-
SETTLEMENT
LAWSUIT
He said his office negotiated with the company for months, and succeeded in avoiding a lawsuit in Texas courts. County policy has changed so that contracts won’t be automatically renewed — “not a good idea generally and when we can avoid doing it we do,” Petticord said. “It took a while, so I assume we finally decided it’s a good settlement,” Riddell said. “Best we’re gonna get.” In other business Friday, the board: ● OK’d an agreement with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District worth $428,900 to replace failed septic systems on Forestview Drive in Columbia Township. A grant will pay half the cost of the project, or $214,450. The other half will be paid from tax increment financing, or TIF, payments by residential developers building housing there. ● awarded a contract worth $315,207 to RA Bores Excavating Inc. of Monroeville for the Grove Avenue waterline replacement project in Sheffield Township. RA Bores submitted the best of 11 bids that were opened Nov. 9. The work involves replacing a 6-inch waterline with 1,741 linear feet of 8-inch PVC pipe along with new
was placed in isolation for 60 days, where he had “little to no communications with his attorney, friends or family” for “no known infraction that would have warranted this punishment.” The lawsuit called it “some poorly thought out cover-up” of the earlier assault, and that Ward was physically and psychologically damaged by his treatment in jail. Lorain County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Dan Petticord, legal counsel to the Sheriff’s Office, referred a reporter to county policy of not commenting on pending litigation. David Edwards, Lorain County Corrections Union director, called Adkisson “a highly, highly regarded officer at the Sheriff’s Office” and that it was Adkisson who saved Ward’s life after Ward tried to swallow a bag of drugs he had smuggled into the jail. “I now know this was Officer Adkisson being proactive attempting to prevent the said inmate from swallowing a bag of drugs,” Edwards wrote in a statement to the Chronicle. He said he didn’t know if Adkisson was successful and couldn’t comment on Ward’s health situation. Based on the arrest that sent him to the jail in the first place, Ward was charged with felony cocaine possession and misdemeanor obstructing. He pleaded guilty to the felony in Lorain County
FROM A1
tion Army sets up kettles at Farm and Home, Apples and Village Market, with volunteers needed for two-hour shifts Monday through Saturday through the end of the year. She needs 160 volunteer slots filled throughout the season. “It’s pretty sparse right now,” she saidbut she noted the village’s safety forces — including its police,
fire and ambulance district — have long partnered to volunteer their time. For Wetherbee, a few hours spent out in the cold is a chance to support the community that supports his firefighters year-round. “This is a good way for us to help give back,” Wetherbee said. “To show our appreciation. This is really a small token of our appreciation for what the
Common Pleas Court and was sentenced to three years probation by Judge Melissa Kobasher in June, according to court records. Ward’s lawsuit was not the first federal lawsuit filed against jail staff this year, and is among several other incidents that have recently put jail staff in the public eye. They are:
Ivan Brooks remains pending in U.S. District Judge David Ruiz’s courtroom. There have been no filings in that case since Brooks sued Stammitti and jail staff in April. Brooks, whose fourth murder trial in three years is expected to go forward in Kobasher’s court in February after three previous hung juries, alleged in a pro se lawsuit that jail staff withheld his mail, assaulted him in March, violated his religious freedoms by discontinuing religious services during the COVID-19 pandemic and failed to feed him appropriately. The county and jail staff have yet to answer Brooks’ lawsuit in federal court, according to court records. Brooks is charged with murdering Terrence Taylor, 45, in Elyria in March 2019.
community does for us.” Red Kettle donations can be made when the kettles are staffed with volunteers, or donations can be mailed or brought directly to the Wellington Salvation Army, with Wellington in the memo line to keep the money local. To volunteer for a red kettle shift, contact the Wellington Salvation Army at (440) 647-7600 or visit salvationarmyohio. org or Wellington Salvation Army’s Facebook page. The Wellington Salvation Army is at 181 E. Herrick Ave.
FROM A1
hydrants and service connections, with the work to be completed by May 1. ● approved a contract with Civil and Environmental Consultants Inc. of Mayfield Heights worth $103,000 to prepare plans to replace the superstructure of the Griggs Road bridge in Rochester, in a project that is 100 percent funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation using money provided by the $1.2 trillion-dollar Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed by President Joe Biden in November 2021, county officials said. ● awarded a contract to D&M Earthmoving Ltd. of Wakeman worth $53,619 to repair a stormwater basin near the Lorain County Board of Elections on North Ridge Road in Sheffield Township. A pipe failed near the western inlet to the basin during severe storms on Aug. 23-24 storm, causing damage. ● entered a contract with Denes Concrete Inc. of Wellington for $50,800 worth of work on Firelands School District property in Henrietta Township, the best of three bids opened on Nov. 15. Lorain County, the Lorain Soil & Water Conservation District and Firelands schools are improving an outlet and detention basin there.
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Meinke and Romero v. Stammitti
In July, inmates Nolan Meinke and Jose Romero filed a pro se federal lawsuit — without legal representation — against Sheriff Phil Stammitti and multiple corrections officers. It alleged excessive force and violations of due process and the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act. The men said the jail was denying their rights to get mail, that a jail corrections sergeant threatened Meinke with sexual assault and that supervisors failed to discipline corrections officers who physically abused inmates, among other matters. U.S. District Judge Donald Nugent rejected all of the inmates’ allegations and dismissed their lawsuit in October, according to federal court records.
Brooks v. Stammitti
A complaint filed by accused killer and jail inmate
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Phillips v. Cantwell
Lisa Phillips of Carlisle Township sued the Sheriff’s Office and jail staff, the Elyria Police Department and several officers in federal court in July following an arrest in Elyria and weekend stay at the jail in August 2021. Phillips alleged Elyria police arrested her without probable cause, and that jail staff were “intentional, malicious, willful, oppressive and in deliberate disregard” of Phillips’ rights during the two days she spent in jail. Attorneys for the county denied all the allegations against their clients in a court filing on Sept. 26. The case is set for a hearing in federal court in June 2024. That lawsuit is assigned to Judge Christopher Boyko.
Jeffrey Fry incident
The Sheriff’s Office and Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office provided evidence to the FBI in June after the federal agency started a civil rights investigation into serious injuries suffered by an Elyria man while being booked into the jail in mid-May. Jeffrey Fry had to be
hospitalized in Cleveland after he was thrown or fell to the ground while in the care and custody of Corrections Officer Brian Tellier on May 12. His injuries were initially described as paralyzing. The incident was caught on video. An internal investigation recommended Tellier face discipline for falsifying records and physically mistreating a prisoner in his care. At the time, Stammitti told the Chronicle that he didn’t think Tellier — who is the son-in-law of Jail Administrator James Gordon — had any malicious intent toward Fry. Sheriff’s Lt. Mike Crum wrote in an internal investigative report that he and other experts in use of force with the Sheriff’s Office found Tellier’s use of force “inappropriate and excessive” when handling Fry. Tellier remained on the job with no duty restrictions even after Crum’s report was released. Edwards referred a reporter’s questions about Tellier to Sheriff’s Office command staff. Fry’s attorney, Nick DiCello, has said publicly that he is considering filing a federal lawsuit. No such suit had been filed in federal court as of the end of the day Nov. 30.
Corrections officer charged Corrections officer Rueben Ortiz was charged with misdemeanor assault and falsification in Elyria Municipal Court in October after he allegedly hit a 34-year-old jail inmate up to 15 times during an incident on Aug. 25. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The 51-year-old North Ridgeville resident was placed on paid administrative leave pending internal and criminal investigations, the Sheriff’s Office said. His next court appearance is set in Judge Robert White’s courtroom on Jan. 3, according to municipal court records. He is represented by the corrections union’s attorney, George Gerken.
Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023
Lorain County Community Guide
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Making house calls on hooves
Rising Sun Center gets visit from four-legged friends RINI JEFFERS THE COMMUNITY GUIDE
OWEN MacMILLAN | The Community Guide
Oberlin College senior Sophie Qano (left) speaks with Community Peace Builders member John Elder before she receives the Al Carroll Memorial Book Scholarship on Dec. 2.
Oberlin College senior honored by Community Peace Builders OWEN MACMILLAN THE COMMUNITY GUIDE
OBERLIN — The Community Peace Builders has recognized Oberlin College senior Sophie Qano for her commitment to peacebuilding and conflict studies. In an intimate ceremony at the Kendal at Oberlin retirement community on Dec. 2, Qano received the 2023 Al Carroll Memorial Book Scholarship award. The $350 scholarship is given out every year in honor of Al Carroll, a founding member of the Oberlin Community Peace Builders. Qano is in the college’s peace and conflict studies concentration and is majoring in both psychology and environmental studies and was recommended for the award by the concentration’s faculty. She said through the award process she has learned a lot about working in peace advocacy from the members of the Peace Builders. “I think that these people here have pursued their passion and stuck to their values their whole lives,” Qano said. “And they’ve been unafraid to do things that are scary.” Group member John Elder gave a presentation on Qano, the award and information about Al Carroll and the history of the Community Peace Builders. The group is made up mostly of residents at Kendal at Oberlin and almost entirely of Oberlin College alumni, but what they all have in common is a lifelong commitment to advocating peaceful resolutions to conflicts. Members have worked as activists, diplomats, academics and advocates for peace since well before
Qano was born. Qano said it was an honor to receive the scholarship, but developing friendships with people who had so much knowledge and experience in peacebuilding was even more valuable to her. “I think the best part of receiving this award is getting to know the Community Peace Builders members,” she said. “They are a very kind and incredibly accomplished group of people.” Set to graduate in May, Qano, whose mother is Japanese, hopes to receive an Oberlin Shansi Fellowship and become a Hiroshima Fellow in Japan. The Hiroshima Fellowship involves working with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, ANT Hiroshima and Green Legacy Hiroshima to advocate for diplomacy and interconnectivity in Asia. “I think it really will be a wonderful way to be introduced into the world,” Qano said. After the fellowship, Qano said she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in social psychology. “Nothing would please Al Carroll more than to award a person with goals such as these,” Elder said. Carroll was a nuclear physicist and 1958 graduate of Oberlin College. In 2004 he and a number of other alums still in the area founded Community Peace Builders to advocate for a peaceful solution to all conflicts. At the 50th anniversary of his Oberlin class, Carroll raised “substantial funds” to begin the scholarship program that took on his name after his death. The scholarship that Qano received Saturday was funded by a gift from late group member Judy Riggle.
VERMILION — Sundae was almost done with her work for the day when she decided she’d had enough. It was time for an unscheduled break, it seemed, as she tucked all four of her hooves under her tall, sturdy body and settled to the floor in the middle of the room at the Rising Sun Center in Wakeman on Nov. 28. “Lazy Sundae!” pointed out a Rising Sun staffer as she snapped a photo of Sundae, as the llama contentedly watched the buzz around her. There was a lot of buzz: Rising Sun is an adult day care program for developmentally delayed individuals, and that day they scheduled an animal meet-and-greet with Wild Hooves Animal Rescue and Petting Zoo. On Tuesday’s trip, Wild Hooves owner Beth Thayer brought along 12-year-old Sundae, the black-andwhite fuzzball currently as out of place as a pitcher’s mound circled by folding chairs. She also brought along Caramel the pony, a 21-year-old Icelandic mare she’s owned since Caramel was 6. “Oh my God. I can’t believe it,” Shasta Knarr, who attends Rising Sun, said. “My parents are going to have a flipping fit. A horse and a llama! Wait until I tell them! Oh my God, yes. It’s amazing. They’re just going to have a fit.” Those in attendance seemed more curious about Caramel than they did about Sundae, more willing to pose for a photo with the placid Caramel or reach forth a tentative hand for a pat and a “good girl” as the gentle beast made a slow stroll around the circle, led by Thayer. Sometimes Rising Sun has taken its charges to the Wild Hooves farm, but this is the first time the animals have returned the favor. It seems like second nature to Caramel and Sundae to stroll into common areas or across tiled floors, to be led placidly around a circle, accepting pets and excited hellos like slightly larger-than-standard therapy animals. Though not typical fieldcertified therapy animals, Thayer’s animals are used to working with the public.
RINI JEFFERS | The Community Guide
Sundae, 12, felt so at home she decided to take a break and settled in for a visit while meeting Lindsey Carter on Nov. 28 at Rising Sun Center in Wakeman. She opened her farm as a petting zoo in 2012. Her Darrow Road homestead in Vermilion is where her grandparents built a sheep farm when they married in 1955. In 2011, when Thayer became an adult, she moved in with her grandmother on the farm after her grandfather died. Thayer recalls that as a child growing up around the farm she was always rescuing an injured bird or bringing home a stray animal. “I always wanted to have an animal rescue, since I was a little kid,” Thayer said. “When I was 18, I started getting into animals needing rescued. They kind of come to me. I didn’t start out that way, they just always came to me or people would turn to me.” By the next year, she had started the petting zoo, inviting the public to the farm to visit her beloved little menagerie of rescued farm pets and taking them on the road for special events like birthday parties, craft fairs, school events and markets. But the following year a devastating barn fire killed all of Thayer’s animals except one: her horse Chippy, who had been in the
pasture that night and not in the horse barn with the rest. She lost four horses, goats, a pig, chickens and rabbits. “We rebuilt, obviously,” she said. “But it was terrible. I was young and didn’t know how to handle my emotions. Terrible.” The animals continued to come, as they always had. Animals that needed safe homes, respites, refuge. By 2017, she turned it into a nonprofit. She doesn’t really know how many animals she has right now, estimating at least a few dozen. “That’s a good question,” Thayer said. “I would say 30, counting the livestock. I don’t really count the chickens and the ducks. I don’t know about the freerange rabbits, either. So, counting the horses, donkeys, mules, pigs, goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas and
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Oberlin Schools provides facility updates LAUREN HOFFMAN THE COMMUNITY GUIDE
In the basement of Oberlin’s 100-year old Langston Middle School sit steel alloy boilers that creak under the weight of 70 years of providing heat and hot water to the rest of the building. The boilers are one of the main reasons Oberlin Schools officials want to replace the building, district officials said after touring the school, including the basement. “Every school year, our Board of Education likes to do a tour of the schools to see where we are and what improvements can be made,” Jim Eibel, operations director at Oberlin Schools, said during a school board meeting at Langston on Tuesday. “Langston has been on our minds for some time because of its age in relation to our other buildings.”
Replacing the boilers wouldn’t be an easy feat. “These boilers are beginning to show their age and they are quite frankly massive,” Eibel said. “In order to remove them, we would need to take them out with a crane, so the board wanted to get an idea of what they are currently like as they begin to plan for Phase 2 for the district.” Phase 2 will include building a new sixththrough eighth-grade building on the existing Pleasant Street campus right next to Oberlin High School, replacing Langston. The school will connect to the existing high school to make it easier for students to commute between the two for classes. Plans are still in the design phase with ThenDesign Architecture and Hammond Construction. If accepted as the plan, the 55,000-squarefoot building probably will not be ready for use until 2033.
Phase 1 of the project included the construction of the new Oberlin Elementary School on the Pleasant Street campus near the high school. In the meantime, continuous improvements have been made to Langston to keep it up and running for students. Improvements included $17,000 for repairs and resealing of the driveway and parking lot, $20,000 for carpeting the library and media center, and $7,500 for plumbing repairs. “These improvements are needed so that we can keep the school up to current times,” Eibel said. “We want to be able to have the best for our students.” In addition to Langston’s repairs, the school district said that residents could finally see crosswalks across Pleasant Street, a heavily traveled area for students coming to and from the high school. Currently, there is only
one crosswalk on the stretch of road from Langston to the high school. Talks of adding more began three years ago with the construction of the new Oberlin Elementary School, but no work has been done since.
the two mini cows, I’d say about 30.” Visits with animals can bring a wealth of emotion. In nursing homes, they can trigger loads of memories. Caramel, for instance, is a fan favorite at Independence Village in Avon, a nursing home. “The residents love her,” Thayer said. “A lot of them grew up on farms and one lady, she’ll always tell me the same story that’s really sweet about how she grew up on the farm and she reminds her of that and you can just see that you bring them joy. And then with kids at a preschool, they’ve never really seen any animals and I educate them on the difference between llamas and alpacas and I’d give them their first pony ride.”
Joshua Bowyer, Au.D. Practice Owner & Proud Community Member 224 W Lorain St, Ste 400 • Oberlin OberlinHearingCare.com
85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 DECEMBER 7, 2023 BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL BE Live Streamed @ http://oberlinoh.swagit.com/live DECEMBER 7, 2023 .....SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 7:00 P.M. CONFERENCE ROOM 1 - PURPOSE: To adjourn into executive session to discuss the employment of a public official and to invite the city manager. DECEMBER 12, 2023 ...PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION - 4:30 P.M. 36 S. PROSPECT ST. DECEMBER 13, 2023 ...OCIC - 8:00 A.M. DECEMBER 13, 2023 ...OURCIT - 3:30 P.M. - 36 S. PROSPECT ST. NOTICE: DISABLED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO MAY NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL 775-7203 OR E-MAIL: banderson@cityofoberlin.com NOTICE REQUIRED: TWO (2) WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE OF MEETING (48 HOURS) CLERK OF COUNCIL’S OFFICE.
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SPORTS
Lorain County Community Guide
Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023
Send sports news to news@lcnewspapers.com. Deadline for all submissions is 10 a.m. each Monday. Printed as space is available.
DiFranco Classic: Middies sweep tournament
RUSS GIFFORD | The Community Guide
LEFT: Midview Girls Basketball vs Elyria Catholic - DiFranco Tournament: The Middies host the Panthers in the final DiFranco matchup and pull away in the fourth quarter for a 53-39 win. RIGHT: Midview Boys Basketball vs Keystone - DiFranco Tournament: The Middies host the Wildcats. After trailing most of the game the Middies take a lead in the fourth quarter and win 55-54.
Falcons soar above Sailors
Comets scorch Lions
LEFT: Firelands’ Jordyn Copley gets to the basket past Vermilion’s Claire Bartlome.Firelands bested Vermilion 46-36 on Dec. 4.
Amherst Basketball vs Orange: The Comets play the Lions at the DiFranco tournament in Midview and win 65-50.
Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023
Lorain County Community Guide
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BULLETIN BOARD South Amherst Tree Lighting The Village of South Amherst will host its annual tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. today. The Firelands Tri-M members will sing carols and a reception at the fire station will immdiately follow the tree lighting. The South Amherst Fire Association and Village officials will provide hot chocolate and donuts and the ladies of Sandstone Commuity Church will share homemade cookies. Toys for Tots will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for children in need. The event is free and open to the public.
Ohio Genealogy Society
The Lorain county Chapter of the Ohio Genealogy Society will meet virtually at 7 p.m. Dec. 11. Christina Yetzer Drain, a genealogy and history researcher will show how to explore land patents and deeds, historical maps, tax records and more to piece together a timeline of ownership. The program is free and open to the public. To receive a link, email meetings@ loraincoogs.org and ask to be added to the list.
Oberlin Salvation Army
Volunteers are needed at multiple locations to ring bells for the Oberlin Salvation Army’s upcoming kettle campaign. Volunteers are needed at indoor and outdoor locations: Oberlin IGA, Drug Mart, and Walmart. Any sports team, or business or organization can
get $500 for ringing collectively over the holiday season of 124 hours. You can adopt a kettle and give any amount. The Oberlin Facebook page has a QR Code and a link for any donations. All donations made out to The Oberlin Salvation Army and/or put in the kettle, stays in the Oberlin area.
North Pointe Ballet
North Pointe Ballet’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” returns to the Lorain Palace Theatre and Berea-Midpark High School Performing Arts Center in December. Dec. 16 -17, audience members will see NPB professional artists perform alongside youth from local dance studios. Participants from NPB’s A Chance to Dance program for dancers with disabilities will join the cast during a special Sensory-Friendly matinee on Dec. 17 in partnership with Beyond Words: Music & Dance Center. NPB’s Sensory-Friendly performances provide accommodations to reduce loud sounds and adjust dramatic lights, provide a space for taking a sensory break, and allow for a relaxed theater environment. Featured in this performance are two youth actors to help narrate the story of The Nutcracker, courtesy of The MAD* Factory Theatre Co. in Oberlin. NPB’s performances will be held at the BereaMidpark High School Performing Arts Center, 165 E Bagley Rd, Berea. For showtimes and tickets, visit northpointeballet.org/
The Lorain County Community Guide Bulletin Board is for local nonprofit and not-for-profit events. Items are published on a space-available basis and will be edited for style, length, and clarity. Send your items to news@lcnewspapers.com. nutcracker.
Workshop Players
Workshop Players will present “Santa Sing-aLong” directed by Valerie Farschman at 3 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10 at 44820 Middle Ridge Rd., Amherst. Tickets are $12 or five for $50. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets can be purchsed online at www. workshopplayers.org or by calling the box office at (440) 634-0472.
Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club
The Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club will meet at 5 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Father Ragan knights of Columbus Hall, 1783 Moore Rd., Avon. Prof. Jeffrey Sikkenga, executive director of the Conservative Ashbrook Center at Ashland University, will speak, alongside John Stover, president of Ohio Value Voters and a radio personality. Guests cost $5.
5k fundraiser
A 5k run and 1-mile fun walk benefiting Blessing House is 9 a.m. Dec. 24. The Jingle All The Way 5K is $20 for adults or $5 for children. Prices increase after Dec. 1 to $25 for adults. Registration includes a t-
shirt or mug and jungle bell for each runner or walker to wear during the race. The race, sponsored by Community Congregational united Church of Christ, starts and ends at 379 S. Main Street, Amherst, and loops through downtown.
Amherst Library
Registration is required for most events. Visit AmherstPublicLibrary.org or cal (440) 988-4230 for more information. ● Yoga Flow is 1 p.m. every Friday in December. Learn breathing techniques to clear the mind and be present in the moment as instructor Cindy Miller leads attendees through movements to stretch and strengthen muscles and joints. Classes are suitable for all ages and experience levels. Attendees should wear comfortable clothing and bring water to stay hydrated. ● Canine Reading Buddies are back the first Saturday and third Tuesday of the month. ● Licensed therapy dogs will be on hand for all ages to read to them at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19. ● Merry Grinchmas is 11 a.m. Dec. 10. Enjoy crafts, snacks and themed entertainment while keeping an eye out for the Grinch sneaking around the library. Attendees are encouraged to dress up like
THEME: HAPPY HOLIDAYS ACROSS 1. Bag holder 6. P in mpg 9. Eye part 13. Dog 14. ____ Gershwin 15. *Eggnog ingredient 16. Hold the floor 17. ____ Mahal 18. Anti-elderly one 19. *Breaking news, to a caroler 21. *Coming, in Latin 23. ____’easter 24. “Begone!” 25. Parent-child divide 28. Fur-dwelling parasites 30. Lacrosse stick 35. Kiln for hops 37. Feline vibration 39. Little Richard’s “____ Frutti” 40. Cream-filled treat 41. *Number of candles in kinara 43. Mountain goat terrain 44. *”Prancing and pawing of each little hoof,” e.g. 46. Carpenter’s joint 47. Drug-induced state 48. Make lovable 50. “Cheers” regular 52. *Max to #57 Across 53. Overwhelming defeat 55. Thailand native 57. *Dr. Seuss’ spoilsport 60. *Santa chute 64. Water border 65. “What?” 67. D in LED 68. Carved 69. Stars and Stripes land 70. Astronomer ____ Hubble 71. Hitler’s sidekick 72. Joaquin Phoenix’ 2013 movie 73. Crows’ homes DOWN 1. Dick’s and Jane’s dog 2. Famous Amos 3. Cormac McCarthy’s “The ____” 4. Join the cast of (2 words) 5. Carbolic acid 6. Deodorant target 7. Pitcher’s stat 8. Indian prince
residents of Whoville in ugly holiday sweaters and comfy pajamas. ● Adult craft is 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Registered attendees will receive the supplies needed to create two holiday decoupage coasters. ● Music and Movement storytime is 11:15 a.m. Dec. 8 and 22. For children 2-6 and their caregivers. ● Cookie decorating storytime is Dec. 11-14. Holiday Cookie Storytime for Toddlers (ages 2 – 3) Monday, December 11 at 10:30am. Holiday Cookie Storytime for Preschoolers (ages 3 – 5) Monday, December 11 at 11:15am. Holiday Cookie Storytime for Waddlers (up to 24m) – Wednesday, December 13 at 11:15am. Afternoon Holiday Cookie Storytime (ages 2 – 6) – Thursday, December 14 at 1:15pm
Operation Gratitude
Amherst Library, with the help of students at Amherst Schools, will be sending more than 1,200 cards and letters to Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit headquartered in Chatsworth, California. The cards and letters will be distributed to veterans, active duty service members and first responders.
CS Lewis and Friends
The CS Lewis and Friends book group will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Amherst Library. It will discuss the second bok of Lewis’ cosmic trilogy “Perelandra.” Contact Marcia Geary at (440) 988-9803 or mgeary@ gearylawllc.com with any questions.
Experience Oberlin for the Holidays
● Holiday shopping passport contest: Through Dec. 22 make a purchase in three Oberlin busineses and deposit your passport in collection boxes at Ginko Gallery or Ben Franklin stores to be entered to win $25 Oberlin gift certificates good at more than 30 local businesses. Passports are available in most downtown stores. ● Gift certificate promotion: Through Dec. 22, for every $50 in certificates purchased, receive $5 free. ● Elf on the Shelf scav-
9. More than suggest 10. Blood tunnel 11. 90 degrees, on compass 12. Invoice qty. 15. Romp around 20. Key ___ on a movie set, pl. 22. Med school grad 24. Passepartout to Phileas Fogg 25. *Popular traditional holiday entree 26. Home run hero 27. Impostor 29. Prompted 31. “That hurts!” 32. Vegas’ main drag 33. Coach-and-four 34. *Number of days in Hanukkah 36. Muscle quality
enger hunt: Dec. 8-9 in downtown Oberlin. The elves will be hiding in downtown stores. When you find an elf, mark where on the game sheet and deposit the sheet in a collection box. The more you find, the greater your chance of winning in a prize drawing.
Outside Circle Theater Project
The Outside Circle Theater Project will sponsor a poetry slam for local poets, spoken word artists and monologuists to raise funds for its March 2024 production of “The Downside” by Molly McFadden. The poetry slam is 6-9 p.m. today at Broadway Mary’s, 939 Broadway, Lorain. In addition to performing, attendees can submit works for a chance to be published in the upcoming production’s playbill. Entry fee is $10 via CashApp, Venmo or cash at the door. For more information email outsidecircletheaterproject@ gmail.com or call (440) 258-0704.
Board of Trustees
● The Oberlin Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting followed by the 2024 Organizational meeting at the library on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. The meetings are open to the public. ● The Amherst Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting followed by the 2024 Organizational meeting at the library on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 5:45 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.
Oberlin Heritage Center
● The Center will be closed Dec. 17-Jan. 15. ● Save the Date for OHC’s Annual Meeting: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at the Hotel at Oberlin. ● OHC’s Redlining Program Now Available on YouTube. “An Introduction to Historical Redlining in Oberlin” was recorded by Oberlin Heritage Center staff and is now available on OHC’s YouTube channel. ● Dawoud Bey in Conversation at Allen Memorial Art Museum is 5:30 p.m. today.
38. Word processor command 42. *Like Santa’s pole 45. Repaired, as in socks 49. Mythical giant bird 51. Unmarried woman, archaic 54. Affirmative interjection 56. What timidest and polyimide have in common 57. Clarified butter 58. Theater seat arrangement 59. Wraths 60. Burn to a crisp 61. “____ your chance..,” contraction 62. Make changes 63. Yearnings 64. “Be quiet!” 66. Don’t waste
SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2
SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2
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Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023
Lorain County Community Guide
© 2023 byVickiWhiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 40, No. 1
Ballet Moves In a small village, guests are arriving for a Christmas Eve party at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Stahlbaum and their children, Clara and Fritz. Clara’s godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, brings toys for all the children.
It started as a story called “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” A little more than 100 years ago, this beloved tale was made into a ballet called “The Nutcracker.” It has become one of the most popular ballets.
Can you match each kid to their ballet position? Can you stand in these poses, too?
First Position Second Position Third Position
Fourth Position
Help Clara find these toys. Fifth Position
Herr Drosselmeyer brings a special gift for Clara—a nutcracker in the shape of a soldier. Her brother, Fritz, wants the nutcracker, grabs it and breaks it. Help Herr Drosselmeyer fix the nutcracker. Draw the nutcracker’s missing arm and leg, then color them.
Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Understand story elements: plot, conflict, resolution and structure.
Find at least 10 differences between the two pictures.
That night, an excited Clara cannot sleep. She sneaks downstairs to be with her new nutcracker doll. As the clock strikes midnight, strange things begin to happen … The Christmas tree grows to an enormous size and a great battle begins between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker, who comes to life to lead an army of toy soldiers. Clara uses her to kill the Mouse King and save the Nutcracker’s life.
Standards Link: Recognize similarities and differences; visual discrimination.
The Nutcracker takes Clara on a fantastic journey, which ends at the Sugar Plum Fairy’s palace in the Land of Sweets.
Can you find the sweets that match?
NUTCRACKER MOUSE BALLET O N E C E U A P O N TOYS A A E T I M R E I C SOLDIER P A R T Y N M A L L CLARA PLUM A M T A P S Y O T O SUGAR F O S O L D I E R C FAIRY A U N D U C L F A K CLOCK I S A R M L F A G I TREE PARTY R E K C A R C T U N KING Y R S B A R G K S G ARMY Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical GRABS words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.
Stories
Withhundredsoftopics,every Kid Scoop printableactivitypack featuressix-to-sevenpagesof high-interestextralearning activitiesforhomeand school!Getyourfree sampletodayat:
Complete the grid by using all the letters in the word MOUSE in each vertical and horizontal row. Each letter should only be used once in each row. Some spaces have been filled in for you.
WinterWords
Select pictures of two different people from the newspaper. Make up first and last names for each one. Create a way for the people to know each other. Describe their relationship. What are the best qualities of each character? Write a quotation for each one. Use this information to write a story. ANSWER: At the snowball.
Standards Link: Writing Applications: Create brief narratives describing a fictional experience.
Look through the newspaper for: • 5 holiday pictures • 5 holiday words • 3 five-digit numbers • something sweet • 1 gift for a special person Standards Link: Classify objects according to common attributes.
Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow the sequence of events in a story.
Standards Link: Visual discrimination.
Standards Links: Physical Education: Demonstrate a sense of balance and endurance.
Make a list of words that make you think of winter. Use these words to write a short poem or descriptive paragraph.